The Health Ministry announced six new coronavirus cases on Saturday from a total of 2467 tests, edging down from nine yesterday and raising hopes that Cyprus is on track to soon start relaxing restrictive measures. “The lower numbers of today added to the very good results of the last few days. The epidemiological picture we have in front of us is particularly encouraging,” Dr Leontios Kastrikis said. “If these results continue over the next few days, the state will be able to activate the plan for the gradual lifting of restrictive measures,” he added. “It is worth the effort to continue this effort and we can be sure that with such a performance Cyprus will be able to overcome this trial in an exemplary way,” he concluded. The six new cases brings the total in Cyprus to 810, including 10 in the British Bases.
The epidemiological surveillance unit of the Health Ministry has released new, updated infographics on the coronavirus outbreak in Cyprus, up until April 23.
No time frame has yet been set for the reopening of checkpoints, said so called ‘prime minister’ in the occupied territories Ersin Tatar, commenting on reports that closures will continue for a further three months. He expressed the hope that in the coming months, the course of the virus will be such to allow life returning to normal, adding that the checkpoint issue is one being evaluated with a team of experts. In line with what might be decided in government controlled areas next week, ‘authorities’ in the north are looking to reopen small shops and workplaces connected to the construction industry as of May 4, following disinfection and given that employees will be wearing masks and keeping social distancing measures in place. Final decisions will be taken next week.
Requests to suspend loans under the government measures have reached 50,000 amounting to €10 billion, Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides said on Friday. In a post on social media, Petrides said: “From March 30 [the day the measure came into effect] to today, approximately 50,000 applications were filed for suspension of loans worth approximately €10 billion.” Loan suspensions were introduced as part of measures to deal with the fallout from coronavirus and will last through to December 31, and those eligible are individuals, public-law entities, self-employed persons and corporations who as at February 29 of this year were not more than 30 days behind on their installments per their loan agreement, qualified for the concession.
